‘Nothing is best than playoff hockey’: Eichel anxiously awaits postseason debut

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LAS VEGAS – Fairly frankly, Jack Eichel isn’t positive what all of the fuss is about.

Positive, the Vegas Golden Knights centre understands why there can be a big group of reporters gathered round his locker inside T-Cell Area on Saturday afternoon to debate him qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the primary time in his eight-year profession.

It’s actually newsworthy, given the chance that’s in entrance of him, to play a pivotal position on a Golden Knights squad coming into the postseason because the Western Convention prime seed and a reputable contender to be enjoying into June.

The best way Eichel sees it, this was at all times going to be a matter of when, and never if.

That’s why the 26-year-old confirmed the requisite stage of enthusiasm whereas partaking in a backwards and forwards with reporters lasting greater than eight minutes, but in addition made it clear he wasn’t going to be doing a victory lap merely for receiving an invite to the dance.

“I’m excited. It’s one thing that we labored onerous for. It ought to be a terrific ambiance in right here and nothing is best than playoff hockey,” stated Eichel, who had 27 targets and led the Golden Knights with 66 factors in 67 video games. “I haven’t performed in it, however watching it, it was at all times actual intense and I’m wanting ahead to being part of it.”

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Eichel isn’t going to be an informal observer or ease his method into issues, he’s planning to make a splash as he will get his first style.

“It’s been some time, but it surely’s a desperation stage, compete stage, particulars, the whole lot goes up. It’s no totally different,” stated Eichel, requested about enjoying in high-pressure conditions on his highway to the NHL. “There are lots of guys in right here who’ve gained and lots of guys who’ve gained lots of playoff hockey video games. We’re a reasonably veteran group. There have been loads of video games the place we haven’t performed nicely however we discovered methods to win. Everybody understands that in right here and also you simply wish to carry that into the playoffs.”

For some, Eichel’s tumultuous departure from the Buffalo Sabres, culminating within the blockbuster deal in November of 2021 is what brings the achievement to the forefront.

One of many questions he confronted on Saturday was about feeling any form of vindication – given the way in which issues ended with the Sabres, who selected Eichel second general within the 2015 NHL Draft however weren’t comfy along with his want to have synthetic disk alternative surgical procedure to restore the herniated disk in his neck

“The well being factor, that’s a great distance away,” stated Eichel. “Everybody can most likely have a look at it and say it was a very good choice to do what I did. Having performed a number of years now with the disk and having different gamers get (the surgical procedure), folks really feel extra assured in it. I’m thrilled to be right here and thrilled to be a part of this group. Wanting again at after they first traded for me, it says so much about the way in which they went about issues and giving me the liberty to pursue what I needed to do medically. I really feel actually good about that.

“That looks like such a very long time in the past. I’ve put it within the rearview mirror and simply tried to deal with the current.”

That current contains chasing the primary Stanley Cup for a franchise that has been to the playoffs 5 occasions in six seasons and fell three wins brief in 2018 in opposition to the Washington Capitals.

“Now the last word aim begins and we’ll begin constructing in direction of profitable. We did lots of good issues within the common season, however now, that’s behind us. All people has a clear slate at this level,” stated Eichel. “It is a nice group to be in as a result of their expectations are so excessive and I’ve stated it earlier than, that’s the kind of place you wish to be.

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“They count on the perfect out of the blokes each evening and yearly and I feel that’s a terrific tradition to have.”

Since his arrival, Eichel has shortly impressed his new teammates along with his dedication to the craft.

“He’s a rink rat,” stated Golden Knights winger Reilly Smith. “He loves placing in further work, lengthy hours. He’s at all times capturing pucks or doing one thing on the rink, attempting to get his sport higher.

“One of many issues folks exterior of this locker room don’t know is how good of a teammate he’s. He’s right here for everybody. He acquired the brief finish of the stick when he left Buffalo and lots of people are bitter about that. However I don’t suppose they realized the scenario in depth. He’s are available right here and he’s made us a significantly better hockey crew, each on and off the ice.”

The opening spherical collection between the Golden Knights and Jets begins on Tuesday and Eichel will likely be centring the highest line with Jonathan Marchessault and trade-deadline pick-up Ivan Barbashev.

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When requested about his common season, Eichel spoke about not being thrilled along with his manufacturing – although he’s working at almost a point-per-game tempo – however feeling inspired by the expansion in his general sport.

“Simply the little issues that (Golden Knights head coach) Bruce (Cassidy) has harped on me so much about. I feel I’ve gotten higher with it all through the season,” stated Eichel. “It was one in all my higher years defensively. By way of manufacturing, it wasn’t actually the place I needed it to be, however there have been lots of different issues that had been good elements of my sport. You simply wish to proceed to construct off these going into the playoffs.”

Cassidy made it clear that the buy-in from Eichel was there proper from the start of this season.

“He was held accountable like each man in that room, that’s not going to alter, whether or not you’re the very best paid, lowest paid, most skilled, least skilled, no matter. That’s simply the proper option to do issues,” stated Cassidy. “He purchased into defensive play immediately. Any query about Jack solely caring about offence or something like that, I’m like ‘watch the video games.’

“He’s one in all our greatest defensive centre’s. He closes as fast as any centreman on our crew and values that a part of the sport. Whether or not you’re a plus/minus man or not, his metrics must again all of that up. He cares about defence and he did a very good job for us. In order that a part of the problem was accepted simply.”

One of many different modifications Eichel needed to get used to was a slight discount in ice time (roughly 90 seconds per sport from his profession common with the Sabres), although that’s not associated to efficiency.

“He didn’t play as a lot as he did in Buffalo and he most likely needed extra, which I don’t blame him,” Cassidy defined. “You’re constructing a four-line program that may be profitable beginning Tuesday. You lose somewhat little bit of enjoying time for the nice of the group, however nonetheless be capable of carry out at a excessive stage. We’ll see how that interprets within the playoffs, his minutes could go up. Issues are magnified.”

Talking of magnification, Eichel will likely be getting loads of consideration from Jets centre Adam Lowry and his checking line, together with prime defence pair Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo.

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That comes with the territory once you’re a star participant and it’s one thing Eichel has been coping with relationship again to minor hockey.

In order that gained’t be a brand new problem for him to sort out both.

Whereas Eichel goes to be feeling loads of juice when the puck drops on Tuesday, he’s not about to be overwhelmed by the scenario.

He’s performed on the large stage earlier than and he’s desirous to carry out on this one as nicely.

“On the finish of the day, it’s hockey, proper?” Eichel requested rhetorically. “I’ve been doing it for a few minutes, so I ought to be alright.”

That is Eichel’s time to shine and he gained’t be happy till he goes on a prolonged run and makes his mark.

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